This month’s holiday reading is an exciting one as not only is there a recommendation for a great book but also a Q&A with the writer of it. I’m hoping this is the first in a series so watch this space.
The brilliantly titled, No One Ever Has Sex On A Tuesday, by Tracy Bloom centres on Matthew and Katy, childhood sweethearts, who have a one night stand at a school reunion. After vowing never to see each other again they have a shock meeting months later at an antenatal class which means that both their lives start to get very messy.
The not very subtle book cover……
If you like romantic novels which don’t really follow the ‘formula’ of romantic novels and instead make you feel a little bit uncomfortable as you recognise yourself, and others, in the characters then this is the book for you. The scenes in the antenatal classes will ring true for anyone who has sat in an NCT class or equivalent, with an over-zealous ‘teacher’ and embarrassed participants who are all there really to make friends and are desperately sussing each other out whilst being horrified about what really happens during childbirth.
There is also a brilliant scene in the book which I can really relate to when Katy goes to a Mamas and Papas type shop to buy baby equipment and is completely overwhelmed by the infinite array of products and options and feeling like everyone else in the shop knows what they are doing apart from you. The first pram shopping trip Mr ATWWAH and I went on ended with us both legging it out of Mamas and Papas and seeking solace in a Byron burger vowing never to go in there again.
Anyway, back to the book, personally I found Matthew really irritating and I’m sure his teenage self was alluring but he acted like a spoilt child for most of the book. Some of the best characters were in the supporting cast including Katy’s GBF, Daniel and Charlene, a teenage mum to be who features in the antenatal classes and also in a hilariously described first dance at her wedding.
The book will definitely raise a laugh or two, and maybe even a tear, especially for anyone who has been pregnant.
So, what about the author? Tracy started writing when she moved to the US on maternity leave as her husband was offered a job over there. Leaving behind a great job buying rollercoasters for UK theme parks (yes, that is really a job) she decided to write a novel. Originally self-published No One Ever Has Sex On A Tuesday was a 2013 Amazon bestseller and now with a publishing deal under her belt Tracy has kindly answered some questions on the book and some of her holiday tips with kids for this post.
Where did the inspiration come from for you book?
I was actually inspired by the antenatal classes I attended when pregnant with my first child. It’s a rare scenario when you get a bunch of strangers together to discuss such an intimate and life changing experience. I was immediately struck by the opportunity for comedy and drama especially if you throw in a curve-ball such as arriving to find an ex-boyfirend there with his wife. And what if you’d had a one night stand with around the time you conceived…then what would happen.
When is your preferred time to write?
Whenever I can! As a mum of two I have to write around my kids so I class my working hours as school hours. I did write my first book when my son was a baby during his two hour afternoon nap. No housework was done!
What are your recommended holiday reads?
This is just what I needed to read as we’re off on holiday in a couple of weeks and I needed some holiday reading ideas, this sounds great *heads off to the Kindle store*